COLREGS Traffic Separation Schemes

Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes

(a)

(b)

(c)

This rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the

Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation
under any other rule.
A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:
(i) proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general
direction of traffic flow for that lane;
(ii) so far as is practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line
or separation zone;
(iii) normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the
lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so
at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as
practicable.
A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes

(d)

but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly

as practicable at right angles to the general direction of
traffic flow.
(i) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can
safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent
traffic separation scheme. However, vessels of less than
20m in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing
may use the inshore traffic zone.
(ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(i), a vessel may use
an inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a port,
offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other
place situated within the inshore traffic zone, or to avoid
immediate danger.

(e)

(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)

A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or

leaving a lane shall not normally enter a separation zone or cross
a separation line except:
(i) in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;
(ii) to engage in fishing within a separation zone.
A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic
separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic
separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.
A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme shall avoid it by
as wide a margin as is practicable.
A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any
vessel following a traffic lane.

(j)

A vessel of less than 20m in length or a sailing vessel shall not

impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a
traffic lane.

(k)

A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in

an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a
traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with this
Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.

(l)

A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in

an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up a submarine
cable, within a traffic separation scheme, is exempted from
complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out
the operation.

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